School of Education

Music Education

Students wishing to prepare for a teaching career in music will concentrate in (1) general music at the Early Childhood through Adolescence level, (2) instrumental music (band/orchestra) at the Early Childhood through Adolescence level, and/or (3) the combination of choral and general music at the Early Childhood through Adolescence level.

Entering students must first audition and be accepted by the School of Music as preliminary music majors (audition information can be found on the School of Music website. Depending on the type of teaching certification desired, and the student's primary performance area, one or more additional performance area(s) may be required. Prospective music education majors must audition for and be accepted into any additional performance area(s) at the music major level (200 level) of performance study prior to beginning the methods and practicum sequence. The School of Music cannot guarantee admission to additional performance areas, nor can it guarantee that appropriate substitute course work will be available. The School of Music expects students admitted to its programs to complete all subsequent performance study at UW–Madison.

The number of students admitted to the music education program is contingent upon available space; enrollment limits may be necessary to ensure students have reasonable and timely access to required School of Music courses. During the second year in the core music curriculum each student must sign up for an audition/interview with the music education faculty. The audition includes, but is not limited to, performance, sight-singing, and keyboard harmonization components.

Minimum admission eligibility GPA requirements are:

2.5 in music theory and history courses 121/171, 122/172, 221/271, 211, 212

3.0 in all music courses

2.75 cumulative (all courses)

Students who successfully pass the audition/interview process must then file a teacher certification program application and a major declaration form with the School of Music. Applicants must also have passing scores on the Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Tests. Each student accepted into the music education certification program will thereafter enroll jointly with the School of Music (College of Letters and Science) and the School of Education.

Each student accepted into the music education certification program will enroll jointly with the School of Music (College of Letters & Science) and the School of Education. Consultation with the music advisor at the outset of these programs and each semester thereafter is strongly recommended.